Obesity is becoming a major problem in many parts of the world, especially in rich countries. What are the reasons and solutions?

Question:

Obesity is becoming a major problem in many parts of the world, especially in rich countries. What are the reasons and solutions?

Structure Breakdown for Direct Question Essay

This essay type requires addressing both the reasons behind the issue and proposing effective solutions. Below is a suggested structure:

Band 9 Answer

Obesity has escalated into a serious public health crisis in many affluent countries, primarily due to the widespread availability of high-calorie processed foods and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Modern work environments and urban living have reduced opportunities for physical activity, while fast food and packaged snacks, which are both convenient and heavily marketed, contribute to excessive calorie intake.

To mitigate this issue, a comprehensive strategy is essential. Governments should enforce regulations on food advertising, particularly those targeting children, and consider implementing taxes on sugary beverages and unhealthy snacks. Additionally, investing in public health campaigns and redesigning urban spaces to encourage physical activity—such as creating more parks and bicycle lanes—can significantly promote a healthier lifestyle.

Collectively, these measures can help reverse the obesity trend and improve overall public health.

Vocabulary

• Escalated
• Affluent
• Processed foods
• Sedentary
• Excessive calorie intake
• Mitigate
• Comprehensive strategy
• Public health campaigns
• Urban redesign
• Reversal

Band 8 Answer

Obesity is becoming an alarming issue in many rich countries due to changes in dietary habits and reduced physical activity. The high consumption of fast food and processed snacks, which are rich in calories and low in nutritional value, is one of the primary causes. In addition, modern lifestyles that favor desk jobs and limited exercise contribute significantly to the problem.

One effective solution is to promote healthier eating habits through public education and improved food labeling. Governments could also consider measures such as taxing sugary drinks and junk food. Furthermore, enhancing urban infrastructure to include more parks, pedestrian zones, and cycling tracks can encourage a more active lifestyle.

When these measures are implemented together, they have the potential to curb the obesity epidemic and foster a healthier society.

Vocabulary

• Alarming
• Dietary habits
• Processed snacks
• Desk jobs
• Nutritional value
• Public education
• Food labeling
• Taxing
• Urban infrastructure
• Curbs

Band 7 Answer

Obesity is a growing problem, especially in rich countries, mainly because people eat too much high-calorie food and do not exercise enough. The popularity of fast food and packaged snacks, along with a lifestyle that involves long hours sitting at work or home, has contributed to this issue.

To tackle obesity, governments can start by running public campaigns that promote healthy eating and regular exercise. They can also work with food companies to reduce the amount of sugar and fat in their products. In addition, building more parks and creating safer walking and cycling paths can encourage people to be more active.

These actions, taken together, can help reduce obesity and lead to better health for the population.

Vocabulary

• High-calorie
• Fast food
• Packaged snacks
• Sedentary
• Public campaigns
• Healthy eating
• Regular exercise
• Reduce
• Active
• Better health

Connectors Used

• Primarily
• In addition
• Furthermore
• Additionally
• When
• Collectively
• For instance
• Such as
• Moreover
• One effective solution is